On July 15 live from the “Fabulous” Forum, televised on HBO Boxing After Dark,Berchelt will take on Miura in a WBC Super Featherweight Championship main event. The triple header will also feature Panamanian super featherweight Jezreel “El Invisible” Corrales (21-1, 8 KOs) who will make his U.S. debut against Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos (24-12, 14 KOs) for Corrales’s WBA Super World title. Opening up the action-packed HBO telecast, current two-time WBC International Light Heavyweight Champion Joe Smith, Jr. (23-1, 19 KOs) will put his belt on the line against the Miami’s Sullivan Barrera (19-1, 14 KOs). On the RING TV live streamed portion of the card, Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (30-1-2, 16 KOs) will run up against Martin “El Brochas” Honorio (33-10-1, 16 KOs), Ryan “Kingry” Garcia (9-0, 8 KOs) will go up against a TBA opponent, and Manny “Chato” Robles (12-0, 4 KOs) will step up his competition with Chihuahua, Mex.’s Juan “El Peñita” Jimenez (23-12, 16 KOs).

Below is what fighters on the Saturday, July 15 HBO Boxing After Dark triple header had to say at today’s workout:

“I consider myself a world champion, and fighting Takashi Miura is a way to prove that I am the best in my class. Some of my advantages include my height, the fact that I haven’t been in many wars, and my youth.

“I have a youthful hunger that makes the difference between the two of us. It’s cool to know that I am facing the best in my division – I was able to get through Francisco Vargas, so I know that I can take on Miura.

“Our plan is simple: win round by round. I will show the crowd that not only can I box, but that I can keep my energy through the rounds. Fighting with intelligence is key-you can be in a war but if you’re not smart with how you land your punches it won’t benefit you or help you win.

“Overall, I am excited to be able to fight again in Los Angeles with my fellow paisanos (countrymen).”

Takashi Miura, Former WBC Super Featherweight World Champion:

“Training camp went extremely well, and I am pleased with how everything is going. I am getting used to the environment and time difference in LA, but should be fully ready to go come fight week.

“After my last loss, I became depressed for a couple of months. I thought I wouldn’t be able to come back to the level that I once was. However, boxing is everything to me, and I couldn’t just walk away.

“I have more heart than Berchelt. I want this more than I want anything. I am expecting a war because I know he won’t want to give up his belt that easy. But I want it back. If there’s a possibility to unify the titles, I will, if the opportunity is there. Our division is known for a lot of wars.”

“I’ve always been confident in my training. They call me ‘El Invisible’ because you can’t see me in the ring when I’m moving.

“I’m very happy to be making my U.S. debut and fighting with Golden Boy Promotions.”

Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos, Super Featherweight Contender:

“We had a great training camp, and we did everything we could to put together the best fight possible. I don’t know which way the fight will go, however what I can tell you is that the only thing on my mind is winning.”

Joe Smith, Jr., Current WBC International Light Heavyweight Champion:

“Since my last fight, everyone recognizes me more. I’ve been working on continuing my journey towards becoming a world champion.

“In my fight with Barrera, we’re just all going to have to see what Saturday brings.”

Sullivan Barrera, Current USNBC Light Heavyweight Champion:

“This fight is special because it is the first time my father will see me fight professionally. Joe Smith, Jr. is very good; he has power, but I have power too. I think I have a lot more experience than him, and I’m his biggest challenge yet.”

Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta, Lightweight Contender:

“I’m always excited for every fight to get back in the ring, especially now that I’m fighting at the ‘Fabulous’ Forum for the first time. I’ve been working a lot on my sparring, and I’ve learned a lot going in to this fight. I’m ready.”

Ryan “Kingry” Garcia, Lightweight Prospect:

“I’ve been focusing on staying consistent during my training camp, which was five weeks. I’ve been working with my strength and conditioning coach a lot. I know my opponent is a come-forward fighter, and we will both put on a great show on July 15 at the Forum.”

Below is what the July 14 LA FIGHT CLUB fighters had to say at today’s workout:

Roger “The Kid” Gutierrez, Super Featherweight Contender:

“I get to represent my people of Venezuela in this fight. This is my first professional fight in the U.S., and I’m excited to be able to do that against someone like Alvarado who has fought for titles and has proven to be a skillful fighter. We work on everything in camp, so I feel prepared to make my U.S debut.”

Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado, Super Featherweight Contender:

“I have a lot to gain if I win in this fight. I have to make my upward climb back to the top, and this fight is a step in that direction. I am by no means expecting an easy fight – we both want this.”

Edgar “Kid Neza” Valerio, Featherweight Prospect:

“Right now, I feel like I’ve been getting better at being patient and calm in the ring. Boxing isn’t a game and taking punches isn’t easy, but I feel I’ve improved on keeping my composure.”

Jaime “Jaimito” Arboleda, Super Featherweight Prospect:

“I have so much pride in being able to represent Panama. I will be going up against a Filipino fighter. He is fast, but we have prepared well to take him on and be able to box him. I feel good, and I am excited to fight in Los Angeles and give a good show.”

Berchelt vs. Miura, a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions and Teiken Promotions. Corrales vs. Castellanosis presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Smith vs. Barerrais presented by Star Boxing in association with Main Events. The event is sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLDand Casa Mexico Tequila and will take place on Saturday, July 15 at Los Angeles’ “Fabulous” Forum and televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 9:50 P.M EDT/PDT.

Tickets are priced at $25, $50, $75 and $125, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or the Forum Box Office (Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. PDT to 7:00 p.m. PDT) at (310) 330-7300. Tickets will also be available for purchase at http://www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/BercheltMiura into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

Los Angeles, CA: When Sullivan Barrera (19-1, 14 KOs) and Joe Smith Jr. (23-1, 19 KOs) square off on Saturday night for Smith’s WBC International Light Heavyweight Title it will be an exciting match-up of power against power. Both fighters are coming off monster wins. Smith stopped future hall-of-famer Bernard Hopkins and Andrzej Fonfara in his last two fights and Barrera stopped Vyacheslav Shabranskyy to end 2016. Saturday night they will open the HBO Boxing After Dark® telecast (9:50 p.m. ET/PT)with a 12-round light heavyweight battle. Below is the scouting report for this match-up:

Category

Joe Smith Jr

Sullivan Barrera

Age

27

35

Record

23-1 (19 KOs)

19-1 (14 KOs)

Strength

Smith is a strong fighter who wastes little time once the bell rings. He applies smothering pressure and can end the fight with any punch.

Barrera has solid endurance and a granite chin. He has a strong jab that he uses well and has shown great patience in breaking down his opponents.

Weakness

The Long Island native also tends to get wild when fighting fire-with-fire. If Smith lets his guard down, Sullivan is a heavy hitter who can end the fight early.

Sullivan can get wild so he needs to keep it together and stay sharp in order to avoid one of his opponent’s thundering blows.

Experience

He has managed to stay active throughout his young career. He also gained valuable experience in the past year with wins over Andrzej Fonfara and Bernard Hopkins

He is an experienced fighter who has been in with some of the best in the division: Andre Ward, Vyacheslav Shabranskyy and Karo Murat.

Power

Smith has devastating power in every punch he throws. He delivers nasty combinations to the body and comes out swinging with the first bell.

Sullivan has a powerful jab and a devastating right hand that have been instrumental in the majority of his stoppage wins. His previous eight wins all came by way of knockout.

Speed

Joe’s speed comes on full display when he realizes his opponent is in trouble and the end is near.

Sullivan has average speed; he turns it up a notch once he smells blood and goes for the finish.

Endurance

Smith’s endurance is somewhat of a question; he went 10 rounds once but has yet to go a full 12.

Barrera proved he can go 12 rounds when he came up short in a decision loss to current titleholder Andre Ward.

Accuracy

He has very effective accuracy when he can work his way to the inside or force his opponent to the ropes.

Sullivan’s accuracy is on point when he gets his jab going and puts his punches together behind it.

Defense

Joe’s offense is his best defense; he does an exceptional job at smothering his opponents with an over-aggressive style that wears his opponents down.

If Barrera commits to the jab, it can be very effective taking his opponent out of his element, making it difficult to get anything going offensively.

Chin

Smith was stopped once in his lone pro defeat in 2010. Since then, he has not been in any real danger.

Sullivan has been knocked down but recovered well and finished strong.

Style

Junior is an aggressive, in-your-face fighter who overwhelms his opponents with a vicious onslaught of punches and combinations.

Barrera is a technical fighter that likes to stick his jab and set up his shots. He also has a brawling style that inevitably comes out when his opponents show that they are willing to engage.

Intangibles

Coming off the two biggest wins of his career over Bernard Hopkins and Andrzej Fonfara, Smith is wasting little time in getting back into the ring with the best in the division. A win here could stamp his spot amongst the top of the division rankings and earn him a well-deserved title fight.

Sullivan has been very vocal in his desire to fight the best in the light heavyweight division and there are very few light heavyweights riding the momentum like Smith is now. Sullivan is willing to take out anyone in his path, and he knows a win over Smith can solidify another shot at a world title.

Crowd Support

Smith has a crowd-pleasing style that won the support of boxing fans in Los Angeles when he defeated Hopkins, so the New York native is expected to have substantial crowd support for his return to “The Fabulous” Forum.

With his last eight wins coming by way of knockout, Barrera earned fan support and established himself as a fan-friendly fighter. His last big victory over Shabranskyy also took place in California, so he should have some fans returning to see him.

The Match-up

1. Will Barrera frustrate Smith with his boxing ability?

2. Will each fighter be able to handle the other’s power?

3. Who is going to dictate the fight?

4. Will Barrera fall into Smith’s aggressive style?

According to Main Events’ matchmaker and 2015 NABF Matchmaker of the Year, Jolene Mizzone, “This is a great fight in the ring and kudos to both guys for stepping up and agreeing to fight each other. The winner of this fight will be in a very good position in the light heavyweight division. This fight has bombs away written all over it: both guys have power in both hands.”

Berchelt vs. Miura, a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions and Teiken Promotions. Corrales vs. Castellanosis presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Smith vs. Barerrais presented by Star Boxing in association with Main Events. The event is sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLDand Casa Mexico Tequila and will take place on Saturday, July 15 at Los Angeles’ “Fabulous” Forum and televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 9:50 P.M EDT/PDT.

Tickets are priced at $25, $50, $75 and $125, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or the Forum Box Office (Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. PDT to 7:00 p.m. PDT) at (310) 330-7300. Tickets will also be available for purchase at http://www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/BercheltMiura into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

New York, July 5, 2017Following his recent knockout of boxing legend BERNARD HOPKINS, Long Island fan favorite JOE SMITH JR. moved right into the mix in the light heavyweight division, boxing’s deepest and most exciting.Working full-time as a union laborer in the New York City area, Smith (23-1-0, 19 KO’s) will take a short break from wielding the sledgehammer as he finalizes training for his upcoming 10-round showdown with fellow highly ranked contender SULLIVAN BARRERA, (19-1-0, 14 KO’s), on Saturday, July 15 from The Fabulous Forum in Los Angeles and telecast live on HBO’s Boxing After Dark (9:50 p.m. ET/PT).Most recently a new #1 Pound-for-Pound in boxing from the light heavyweight division was heralded as ANDRE WARD defeated SERGEY KOVALEV for the second time on June 17, defending the WBA/IBF/WBO Light Heavyweight Titles. On June 3, longtime WBC Light Heavyweight Champion ADONIS STEVENSON stopped highly ranked contender ANDRZEJ FONFARA.In addition to those two champions the division is filled with world class fighters and highly regarded contenders including ARTUR BETERBIEV, DMITRY BIVOL, OLEKSANDR GVOZDYK and ELEIDER ALVAREZ .”It’s true the division is truly heating up and I’m honored to be a part of it,” said the 27-year-old Smith Jr.

“The winner of my upcoming fight moves right into the top of the mix in the division.” With my last two knockouts I have the full confidence that the sky is the limit for me in this division, I want to achieve my dream of becoming a world champion.”

Smith Jr. is promoted by JOE DEGUARDIA’S STAR BOXING who has developed the heavy handed Long Island native over the last few years into a world ranked contender and holder of the WBC International Light Heavyweight Title.

“Timing is always very important when bringing along a fighter to a higher level,” said DeGuardia. “We started working together a few years ago and our plan was to continue developing Joe’s talents and present him with the right opportunities for success. This is a formula we’ve used many times in the past in building fighters the right way.”

“When the opportunity came to fight Andrzej Fonfara we believed as a team that Joe was ready and he was spectacular in the first round knockout victory. The same with fighting Bernard Hopkins, it was a great opportunity and Joe put on another star making performance.”

“With the Sullivan Barrera fight the stakes are even higher but we feel this is another great opportunity for Joe, back on HBO which has built many stars over the last forty years.”

Known as “The Common Man”, Irish-American Joe Smith Jr. burst onto the international boxing scene last June, knocking out the highly favored, former world title challenger Andrzej Fonfara in the first round of a nationally televised contest (NBC) from the Pole’s hometown of Chicago.

Six months later Smith challenged future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins at the Fabulous Forum and live on HBO. Dominating the legend on December 17 through the first seven rounds, the construction union laborer Smith drilled Hopkins to the canvas and out of the ring earning the knockout in the eighth round. Sullivan Barrera is riding a two-bout knockout streak with victories over Paul Parker on April 15 and Vyacheslav Shabaranskyy on December 16, 2016.

His only loss was to light heavyweight champion Andre Ward by unanimous decision in March 2016, and Barrera is considered one of the top fighters in the stacked division. Smith vs. Barrera is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Main Events. This fight is part of a sensational triple header featuring Miguel Berchelt vs. Takashi Miura, a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship and the WBA Super Featherweight World Championship with Jezreel “El Invisible” Corrales defending his title against Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos. Berchelt-Miura is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions and Teiken Promotions.

Tickets are priced at $25, $50, $75 and $125, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or the Forum Box Office (Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. PST to 7:00 p.m. PST) at (310) 330-7300. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Born and raised on Long Island, the 27-year-old JOE SMITH JR., (23-1 19 KO’s), has taken the road less travelled to the top of the light heavyweight division. From battling in the New York Golden Gloves to defeating boxing legend Bernard Hopkins live on HBO World Championship Boxing at the iconic Los Angeles venue, The Fabulous Forum this past December, JOE SMITH JR. proved he shines brightest on the biggest stage.

The next chapter in Smith Jr.’s inspiring career takes place Saturday, July 15 in his triumphant return to The Fabulous Forum against SULLIVAN BARRERA, (19-1, 14 KO’s) in a scheduled 10-round clash televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 9:50 p.m. ET/PT.

With just 50 amateur fights under his belt, highlighted by a New York Golden Gloves Championship victory over Long Island rival Seanie Monaghan, Smith Jr. made his professional debut on Halloween Night, 2009 knocking out David Brown in the first round at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Following his knockout victory, Smith Jr. returned to his construction job, working with the General Laborers Union, Local 66. Punching in at 5:30 am and punching the bag at 6:00 pm, Smith Jr. found a balance between being a professional boxer and a Union Laborer.

Smith Jr. followed up his pro debut with five more early knockouts before the only loss in his eight-year career, suffering a broken jaw against Eddie Caminero in August 2010.

Back to work in the summer of 2010, Smith Jr. won his next ten fights and caught the eye of Star Boxing CEO and President JOE DEGUARDIA.

Signing with Star Boxing, Smith Jr. made his debut under their banner on December 20, 2014 with a first round knockout of Maxell Taylor at The Paramount in Huntington, New York.

Two more knockouts followed against Dion Savage and Cory Cummings before Smith Jr. faced fellow New York City area rival Will Rosinsky on December 15, 2015.

Fighting for the first time at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn and on the undercard to the World Middleweight Championship between Daniel Jacobs and Peter Quillen, Smith Jr. displayed an array of boxing skills, an excellent jab and his trademark power shots from both hands to win a dominant ten round unanimous decision.

While Smith Jr. began compiling victories, and rising in the ranks of the Light Heavyweight division, he never lost track of his humble beginnings, and continued to work as a union laborer.

Returning to The Paramount on April 23, Smith Jr. got back in the knockout column stopping Fabiano Pena in the second round.

Smith Jr.’s biggest break of his career came on June 18, 2016 as he traveled to Chicago, Illinois to face Polish hometown favorite and former world title challenger Andrzej Fonfara, televised nation wide live, primetime on NBC.

Coming into the fight a decided underdog, Smith Jr. let his hands go from the opening bell, drilling Fonfara to the canvas with a beautiful right hand to the head. Although Fonfara beat the count, Smith Jr. followed with a flurry of unanswered power shots, which caused referee Hector Atu to call a halt to the action.

With the knockout victory, Smith Jr. was awarded the WBC International Light Heavyweight Title, which Fonfara had held.

Smith Jr. continued to be the peoples champion, just like the athletes of old, maintaining a job while plying his trade as a boxer.

Weeks later Smith Jr. was offered another extraordinary opportunity by his promoter, a fight with boxing legend Bernard Hopkins on Saturday, December 17 at The Fabulous Forum in Los Angeles.

Fighting on the West Coast for the first time, Smith Jr. dominated Hopkins, firing away at will with power shots throughout every round. Sending the future Hall of-Famer though the ropes with a battering combination from his heavy hands, Smith Jr. earned the victory by knockout in the eighth round.

Following the two knockouts of Fonfara and Hopkins, Smith Jr. earned numerous accolades from the national boxing media for “The Story of the Year”. “Knockout of the Year” and “Upset of the Year”.

Smith Jr. continues his quest to become a world champion by fighting Sullivan Barrera on July 15at The Fabulous Forum, where a victory will bring this Common Man and Top Contender one step closer to realizing his dream of being the Light Heavyweight Champion of the World.

Known as “The Common Man”, Irish-American Joe Smith Jr. burst onto the international boxing scene last June, knocking out the highly favored, former world title challenger Andrzej Fonfara in the first round of a nationally televised contest (NBC) from the Pole’s hometown of Chicago. (more…)

NEW YORK CITY (June 28, 2017) Hard hitting light heavyweight contender JOE SMITH JR., (23-1 19 KO’s), held court in front of a tremendous crowd of New York City media on Tuesday afternoon at the Mendez Boxing Gym ahead of his highly anticipated 10-round clash with fellow contender SULLIVAN BARRERA (19-1, 14 KO’s) set for Saturday, July 15 at The Fabulous Forum in Los Angeles, California and televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 9:50 p.m. ET.

JOE SMITH JR.

“It feels great to be fighting on HBO, I’m looking forward to it, I’m in great shape and ready to

put on a tremendous performance against Sullivan Barrera.”

“It’s not like fighting at home but I’m looking forward to fighting at the Forum again, I was treated very well there and it’s a tremendous and legendary venue. I like Los Angeles, the fans were very good to me as well.”

“Along with the media, it’s great to see some many of my union brothers here at the media workout, I truly appreciate all the support they’ve shown me.”

“I saw Sullivan Barrera’s fight with Andre Ward and I’ve seen a few of his other fights. This fight is a huge challenge to me, he’s got a lot of experience but I’ll be ready on July 15.”

“I’d still like to fight Adonis Stevenson, I was ready this year and I’ll be ready at any time but now my focus is solely on this fight.”

“I’ll definitely be going back to working for the union in the future when I’m not training for a fight, it’s a great job and they’ve been very supportive of me throughout my career.

“Joe DeGuardia has done a great job of getting me these opportunities, particularly with Fonfara and Hopkins and now with Barrera, it’s my job to take care of business in the ring.”

JOE DEGUARDIA, President and CEO of Star Boxing

“We’re all very excited for Joe, he’s in tremendous shape as you can see. Barrera is another challenge for Joe and he’s well prepared to be victorious.”

INFO:

Known as “The Common Man”, Irish-American Joe Smith Jr. burst onto the international boxing scene last June, knocking out the highly favored, former world title challenger Andrzej Fonfara in the first round of a nationally televised contest (NBC) from the Pole’s hometown of Chicago.

Six months later Smith challenged future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins at the Fabulous Forum and live on HBO. Dominating the legend on December 17 through the first seven rounds, the construction union laborer Smith drilled Hopkins to the canvas and out of the ring earning the knockout in the eighth round.

Sullivan Barrera is riding a two bout knockout streak with victories over Paul Parker on April 15 and Vyacheslav Shabaranskyy on December 16, 2016. His only loss was a decision to light heavyweight champion Andre Ward in March 2016, and Barrera is considered one of the top fighters in the stacked division.

Smith vs. Barrera is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Main Events. This fight is part of a sensational triple header featuring Miguel Berchelt vs. Takashi Miura, a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship and the WBA Super Featherweight World Championship with Jezreel “El Invisible” Corrales defending his title against Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos. Berchelt-Miura is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions and Teiken Promotions.

The event is sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD and Casa Mexico Tequila and will take place on Saturday, July 15 at Los Angeles’ “Fabulous” Forum and televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark at 9:50 P.M EST.

Tickets are priced at $25, $50, $75 and $125, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or the Forum Box Office (Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. PST to 7:00 p.m. PST) at (310) 330-7300. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com. (more…)

NEW YORK CITY:“The Common Man”, Joe Smith Jr., (23-1, 19 KO’s), boxing’s best story of 2016, will make his first start of the new year, defending his WBC International Light Heavyweight Title against world ranked Sullivan Barrera, (19-1, 14 KO’s) on Friday, July 15 from the iconic, Fabulous Forum in Los Angeles and live on HBO’s Boxing After Dark (9:50 p.m. ET/PT).

Smith vs. Barrera is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing® in association with Main Events. The 27-year-old Smith of Long Island, New York said, “I’m thrilled to be back on HBO against another top light heavyweight, Sullivan Barrera, I’ve already started training and will be ‘more than ready’ on July 15. There’s a number of great fighters in our division and I’m looking forward to another victory on my way to a world title shot.” “This is a great opportunity for me. I want to thank my entire team for making this happen. I respect Joe for taking this fight. He is a great fighter and I have a tough test on July 15. I will work hard to put on a great show for all the fans,” stated Barrera.

“This should be a spectacular fight,” said Joe DeGuardia, President and CEO of Star Boxing. “Over the past few months many have refused to fight Joe Smith Jr., so I give credit to Sullivan Barrera, who, like Joe, is a tough fighter willing to fight anyone. Joe’s captivating rise as a humble working-class ‘Common Man’ has resonated with sports fans all over the world and I look forward to being at the Forum on HBO as Joe and Sullivan battle for the future.”

Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events, stated, “This is a really interesting fight. It is a can’t miss because Barrera and Smith are both finishers. We are all eager to see how this plays out and I give credit to both men for wanting a challenge.”

Smith bursted onto the international boxing scene last June, knocking out the highly favored, former world title challenger, Andrzej Fonfara in the first round of a nationally televised contest from the Pole’s hometown of Chicago.

Six months later Smith challenged future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins at the Fabulous Forum and live on HBO. Dominating the legend on December 17 through the first seven rounds, the construction laborer Smith drilled Hopkins to the canvas and out of the ring earning the knockout in the eighth round.

Barrera is riding a two bout knockout streak with victories over Paul Parker on April 15 and Vyacheslav Shabaranskyy on December 16, 2016. His only loss was to light heavyweight champion Andre Ward in March 2016.

The 27-year-old Smith (23-1, 19 KOs) is a Union 66 laborer between fights. The Long Island power-puncher from Mastic burst upon the International boxing scene last June, stopping former world title challenger Andrzej Fonfara (28-4) in the opening round for the World Boxing Council (WBC) International light heavyweight title. Last December, Smith retired living legend Bernard Hopkins (55-8-2), knocking out (8th round) the seven-time, two-division world champion for the first time in his career.

Smith was the recipient of Ring 8’s “Knockout of the Year Award” last December at the organization’s 30th annual Ring 8 Holiday Event and Awards Ceremony. Currently rated as high as No. 3 by the World Boxing Council (WBC), Smith is knocking at the door for a world title shot in the 175-pound division. He is promoted by New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) inductee Joe DeGuardia (Star Boxing).

Dr. Polofsky is a physician member of the New York State Athletic Commission and USA Boxing.

Stanton’s most notable victories were against Bruce Strauss (54-27-2), Tony Petronelli (42-3-1) and Sammy Ayala (11-0). He fought a draw with two-time world title challenger Vilomar Fernandez (22-6-1) and lost a controversial decision to 1976 Olympic gold medalist Howard David, Jr. (6-0).

ABOUT RING 8: Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto remains: Boxers Helping Boxers. (more…)

The 27-year-old Smith (23-1, 19 KOs) is a Union 66 laborer between fights. The Long Island power-puncher from Mastic burst upon the International boxing scene last June, stopping former world title challenger Andrzej Fonfara (28-4) in the opening round for the World Boxing Council (WBC) International light heavyweight title.

Last December, Smith followed up with a sensational eighth-round knockout of living legend Bernard Hopkins (55-8-2), the seven-time, two-division world champion whose retirement fight was ruined by Smith.

“With knockout victories over Fonfara and Hopkins in his last two fights, Joe Smith might be the most exciting fighter since Arturo Gatti,” Ring 8 president Jack Hirsch said.

“We look forward to him being a featured speaker at our monthly meeting and letting us know what he has planned next in his career.”

Smith was the recipient of Ring 8’s “Knockout of the Year Award” last December at the organization’s 30th annual Ring 8 Holiday Event and Awards Ceremony. Phil and Jerry Capobianco, respectively, Smith’s manager and trainer, were also honored as Ring 8’s Manager and Trainer of the Year.

Smith is a light heavyweight contender on the verge of a major fight this year, possibly a world title shot. He is promoted by New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) inductee Joe DeGuardia (Star Boxing).

ABOUT RING 8: Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.

RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.

Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, with a current boxing license or book are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership. Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person..

(BAY AREA, CA) February 7, 2017 – Light heavyweight contender, Andrzej Fonfara (28-4, 16 KOs) is enjoying his time with new coach, BWAA 2012 trainer of the year, Virgil Hunter. The two have been working together at for the last few months and Fonfara says he’s learning new training methods with Hunter, that are helping him improve his game.

“Virgil is a great coach and I feel this was the right move to take my career to the next level.” said Andrzej Fonfara, the WBC #8 rated contender. “Right now, Hunter has me doing some crazy drills and I can see how its making me better in the ring.”

Fonfara is scheduled to return to the ring in March against an opponent TBA. This bout will be his first fight in 2017, a match he’s looking forward to, since losing his WBC International light heavyweight title to Joe Smith Jr.

“Against Smith, I got caught with a good punch.” Fonfara continued. “It can happen to anyone. I feel I’ve learned a lot since then and I’m confident that’ll I’ll be able to march forward to a world title opportunity. I’m going to take it one fight at a time. With Virgil in my corner, I feel I can beat anyone that is put in front of me. In march, everyone will see an improvement in my fighting style.”